Table 3.
EuroQol working groups and their main objectives
| Descriptive systems To explore the conceptual basis for generic preference-based HRQL measures (i.e., descriptive and measurement work) To investigate the conceptual basis and develop a framework to rationalize the development of various bolt-ons and bolt-offs |
| Valuation To investigate new approaches to valuing health (including approaches within scope of the QALY framework) To support the development and dissemination of EQ-5D-5L value sets in key countries and stimulate interest in producing EQ-5D (3L and 5L) value sets in key countries To support methodological research examining the basis/rationale for value sets for patient groups To provide scientific guidance and support for existing protocols related to valuation studies To provide scientific guidance and support for valuation of bolt-on studies |
| Large-scale applications To promote and examine large-scale health systems applications for EQ products To stimulate methodological and applied research relating to the use of EQ-5D in measuring local and system-wide performance, as well as its use in assessing population health To focus on applications inside healthcare systems, as well as in other non-health sectors |
| EQ-5D in younger populations To develop EQ-5D instruments suitable for use in younger populations of various age ranges To promote research to explore the validity of the EQ-5D-Y as a measure of health status in younger populations To work closely with the Working Group on Valuation in developing a work programme for the valuation of EQ-5D-Y states To promote research in the field of application studies To develop and to test possible bolt-ons and bolt-offs (with regard to the self-care dimension) for the EQ-5D-Y |
| Interface development To support different end-users of the EQ-5D instruments who wish to use electronic or internet-based methods of data collection |
| Education and outreach Organize regular educational meetings for interested EuroQol members on specific topics related to research and application of EQ-5D Organize and promote regional meetings of researchers, decision-makers and users interested in EQ-5D outside Europe and North America Propose educational and uptake initiatives that could be supported by the EuroQol Foundation |
Source: EuroQol Executive Office